As the mother of two athletes, I have long been interested in the impact coaches have on their players. Like parents and teachers, coaches have an incredible opportunity to teach life lessons through the medium of sport; lessons in friendship, competition, commitment and dedication to name a few. As a family therapist, social worker and instructor of psychology, I know that when all is said and done, it is, in the end, the relationships that matter, the interpersonal experiences gained through striving together, accomplishing a goal, moving in the same direction as one.
Do you have a story to share?
I am collecting stories about the impact of coaches on player's lives. Is there a coach that has influenced you? Inspired you? Encouraged you? What lessons did they teach you and how? How have the coaches you played for made a difference in your life? Is there a memory that stands out? A game, a practice, a moment in the bottom of the ninth when something changed, forever? What lessons did playing teach you and how have you carried these lessons into your life?
Please take a moment to share a story or two about a coach who has made a difference in your life.
When I was a junior in highschool, I went out for the baseball team. I had never played sports in the past. Though I often did great in practice, I would freeze during the games and ALWAYS struck out. Therefore, I was put on the JV team - the only 11th grader with all 9th graders. Mr. Rodkey was our coach.
Suffice it to say that I still struck out every game and was placed in right field, always praying a ball would never come my way.
It was the very last game of the season. Mr. Rodkey announced that if anyone got a base hit without it being the result of an error, he would buy them a hamburger on the way home at McDonalds. It was my turn to bat. Believe it or not, I hit the ball! As I ran toward first base, the ball hit the firstbaseman and he dropped it (an error...oh well, no hamburger) and I made it to the plate safe. I could hear Mr. Rodkey cheering in the background. I turned around and he was jumping and yelling, swinging his cap, "Yay Slotterback! I am going to buy you a hamburger, coke, and french fries!!" He was genuinely excited for me. I was proudly embarrassed.
At the awards banquest that year, Mr. Rodkey gave the MVP award to someone whom he stated never gave up and should be looked at as an example by all. Imagine my shock when he called my name to receive the award! It was the only non-academic award I have ever received and probably my most treasured. Mr. Rodkey affirmed something in my character development, rather than my academics.
Wow...feels like it was just yesterday...one of my most heart-warming memories of high school. I loved that coach for instilling in me that I was not a quitter and had worth.
Posted by: David Slotterback | 03 January 2010 at 01:17 PM
Being a coach for 17 years, I am sorry to say that I will not be able to attend your class.
I knew in my heart I was missing out on a great instructor.
After reading your view from the bench, I saw my buddy Paul and my old high school.
Many stories I could tell.
Posted by: Brian Weinmann | 25 January 2011 at 10:56 PM